In today's era where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health preservation is increasingly valued, decocting Chinese herbs has become an essential step for many health enthusiasts. However, in order to maintain the optimal therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs, the decoction method is also very important. Let's take a look at some precautions for decocting Chinese herbs.
1. Equipment Selection
Avoid using iron or aluminum pots for decocting Chinese herbs, and instead, use a clay pot, preferably a black clay pot.
This is because the tannins and glycosides in the herbs can react with iron or aluminum, forming tannate salts, which can darken or turn the decoction green, reducing the efficacy of the herbs. It may even alter the pharmacological properties, resulting in ineffective treatment or worsening of the condition. Additionally, iron and stainless steel pots conduct heat too quickly, requiring constant stirring during the decoction process to avoid scorching the herbs.
A clay pot used for decocting Chinese herbs is mainly made of silicate, which has stable chemical properties, even heat distribution, and slow heat transfer. The moisture in the pot is not easily evaporated during the decoction process, allowing the effective components of the herbs to dissolve well and maintain their original efficacy.
It is important to note that a clay pot may crack suddenly when exposed to rapid heating or cooling. Therefore, do not immediately wash a recently used clay pot with cold water.
2. Water Volume Control
Different Chinese herbs have varying water absorption capacities due to their different textures. Generally, the water volume should be controlled at 5-10 times the weight of the herbs. Herbs with the same weight but loose texture have larger volumes and naturally absorb more water. Conversely, herbs with solid texture have smaller volumes and absorb less water. Therefore, for flowers, leaves, and whole herbaceous plants, more water should be added. For minerals and shell-based herbs, less water should be added.
The usual water volume for Chinese herbs is when the water level is about one finger's width above the herbs after soaking and lightly pressing with a finger. Of course, the water volume is directly proportional to the decoction time. If a longer decoction time is required, slightly more water should be added, and if a shorter decoction time is required, less water should be added.
For nourishing herbs used to treat weak conditions, more water can be used. The water level for the initial decoction should be about 1 inch above the herbs, while for the second and third decoctions, it should be determined based on the decoction time. Generally, the water level should just cover the herbs. If the decoction time exceeds 25 minutes, the water volume can be increased appropriately.
For herbs used to treat colds or promote bowel movements, the water volume should not be excessive. For the initial decoction, the water level should just cover the herbs, and for the second decoction, the water level should be even with the herbs.
3. Decoction Time
When seeking the accurate decoction time for Chinese herbs, it is important to note that different herbs have different textures, resulting in different decoction methods, procedures, and times. For example, some herbs need to be decocted before adding other herbs, some need to be decocted separately, and some need to be decocted in a bundle.
The decoction time for some herbs used to treat surface-level conditions should be shorter. Aromatic herbs such as Huoxiang, Perilla, and Peppermint, as well as some fresh herbs, should also have shorter decoction times, usually added when other herbs are almost done and the aroma can be smelled.
For some mineral, shell-based, or animal-based herbs such as Gypsum, Magnetite, Oyster Shell, and Lapis Mollis, which have harder textures, they need to be decocted for about 20 minutes before adding other herbs for simultaneous decoction.
In addition, there are some herbs that need to be bundled and decocted, such as small-sized seeds, powdery herbs prone to scorching, or herbs with thorns that may irritate the throat or digestive tract. These herbs should be wrapped in gauze before decocting.
